Irn Bru is a classic Scottish soft drink that has been around for over 100 years! Considered Scotland’s ‘other national drink’ (after Whisky), it’s not only loved in Scotland, but pretty much everywhere. But is Irn Bru vegan?
For those who follow a vegan diet or are concerned about the use of animal products, the question “Is Irn Bru vegan?” needs to be answered. In this article, we will explore the history and ingredients of Irn Bru, as well as the concept of veganism and whether or not Irn Bru fits within a vegan lifestyle.
An Introduction to Irn Bru
History and Origin of Irn Bru
Irn Bru was first introduced in 1901 by the Scottish drinks company ‘Barr’. The drink’s original name was ‘Iron Brew’, but it was later changed to Irn Bru to avoid confusion with brewed beverages. Over the years, Irn Bru has become a cultural icon in Scotland and is often associated with the country’s national identity. The drink has also gone through various changes in its recipe, including the use of different sweeteners and flavourings.
Key Irn Bru Ingredients
Irn Bru’s unique taste comes from a combination of ingredients, including carbonated water, sugar, citric acid, caffeine, certain flavourings, and a preservative called sodium benzoate. One of the most distinctive ingredients in Irn Bru is a flavouring known as “Iron Brew Essence”. This flavouring is a closely guarded secret, and the exact recipe is known only to a select few people at the company.
Is Irn Bru Vegan?
To determine if Irn Bru is vegan, we need to take a closer look at its key ingredients and their sources. Carbonated water and sugar are both vegan-friendly ingredients that are commonly used in soft drinks. Citric acid is also vegan, as it is derived from citrus fruits.
The most mysterious ingredient in Irn Bru is the ‘Iron Brew Essence’. As mentioned earlier, the exact recipe for this flavouring is a closely guarded secret, so it’s difficult to know for sure whether it contains any animal products. Despite the secrecy surrounding the ‘Iron Brew Essence’, it’s worth noting that Barr, the company that produces Irn Bru, has stated that the drink is suitable for vegetarians and vegans. This suggests that the ingredients used in Irn Bru are likely vegan-friendly. However, some vegans may still choose to avoid the drink due to the uncertainty surrounding the Iron ‘Brew Essence’.
So yes, it seems that Irn Bru IS vegan.